His offer list coming out of high school reads like a who’s who of blue bloods — Virginia, Arizona, Tennessee, West Virginia, Florida, etc. No Duke or Kentucky on that list, but top tier P5 programs nonetheless.

Next question: How does AG find playing time for a roster full of bigs — Toppin, Jordy, Sissiko, Johnson. Great problem to have and one I’m not sure Dayton has EVER enjoyed.

3 UDPriders Offer Mad Props to The Fly For This Totally Excellent Post:

I can appreciate both sides of this coin, but I think we get him on the court ASAP if reports are true he can play this year???

We are so thin. One more injury could bury us both physically and mentally. It seems this team is so positive and together. I want us to keep building on that, not take a step or two backwards, which could happen with another injury.

Either way, AG&Co continue to impress me with their recruiting and I don’t see it slowing down. They are getting solid commitments out of high school. Plus it looks like the best group of transfers/juncos ever as a group in UD history.

The other thing this tells us is that AG feels like our perimeter shooting woes are overblown. Barring a transfer, he’s putting stock in Chatman, Davis, Crutcher, Matos and Cohill as our primary three-point threats next year.

I can appreciate both sides of this coin, but I think we get him on the court ASAP if reports are true he can play this year???

We are so thin. One more injury could bury us both physically and mentally. It seems this team is so positive and together. I want us to keep building on that, not take a step or two backwards, which could happen with another injury.

Either way, AG&Co continue to impress me with their recruiting and I don’t see it slowing down. They are getting solid commitments out of high school. Plus it looks like the best group of transfers/juncos ever as a group in UD history.

His offer list coming out of high school reads like a who’s who of blue bloods — Virginia, Arizona, Tennessee, West Virginia, Florida, etc. No Duke or Kentucky on that list, but top tier P5 programs nonetheless.

Next question: How does AG find playing time for a roster full of bigs — Toppin, Jordy, Sissiko, Johnson. Great problem to have and one I’m not sure Dayton has EVER enjoyed.

Use the twin tower concept that worked for the Houston Rockets.
imagine rotating those four thus allowing them to go full tilt the entire game!

Cant argue with the press clipping chops of Chase Johnson. Grant is definitely bringing in guys who were highly touted in HS that didnt get the PT they wanted at the next level or other reasons (injury) and want a reboot.

Remains to be seen if we're getting Sibert/Cooke level, or Hisle/Derenbecker level.

Neck issues and concussions scare the living daylights out of me. With the way team doctors pull the plug on kids with head/neck injuries, I fear another Ryan Bass situation. You're one knock away from having to quit ball altogether.

I like all these big guys. When the the Diesel (Cunningham), you're gonna need to make up for it. But we also need shooters. We shoot 30% from deep and Jordan cannot seem to calibrate the pistol. Who's to say Grant is done recruiting. Stuff happens in the offseason -- it always does. The Sinclair kid would definitely fill a need.

That we were actively recruiting a shooter and big guy at the same time tells me we may be looking at more than one guy to bring in. To just take "best available" and not address shooting -- hmm. Chatman is not a bad shooter, but not a sniper. Who knows on Ibi and he can be a Charles Cooke. Id like another shooter.

I’m not sure Mikesell is a good comparison. From what I’ve read he’s a really good athlete and a pure 4. It sounded like he has an Obi type of game. Checking out the Florida message boards it seemed like most posters were sorry to see him go

Recruiting never stops so who knows with McNeil but roster turnover seems to be the way of the world in college hoops

With shooting who knows what the coaches have seen from Ibi and Chatman in practice. Cooke was I believe about a 30% shooter at James Madison so maybe there’s hope from them

Jordan can shoot based off his freshman year. Not sure if this a Baby D sophomore slump or what’s going onPosted via Mobile Device

Love it, even losing Josh (which will hurt regardless), we'll have plenty of size up front.

Jordy: 6'11" 265 lbs
Obi: 6'9" 220 lbs
Chase: 6'9" 219 lbs (Either his weight is inflated or Obi is more than 220)
Moulaye: 6'9" 230 lbs (I've seen him listed everywhere between 6'7" and 6'10" and as low as 205 and as high as 230, not sure what to believe)

Love it, even losing Josh (which will hurt regardless), we'll have plenty of size up front.

Jordy: 6'11" 265 lbs
Obi: 6'9" 220 lbs
Chase: 6'9" 219 lbs (Either his weight is inflated or Obi is more than 220)
Moulaye: 6'9" 230 lbs (I've seen him listed everywhere between 6'7" and 6'10" and as low as 205 and as high as 230, not sure what to believe)

on instagram... Moulaye told somebody not too long ago he was 6'10" 230

That we were actively recruiting a shooter and big guy at the same time tells me we may be looking at more than one guy to bring in. To just take "best available" and not address shooting -- hmm. Chatman is not a bad shooter, but not a sniper. Who knows on Ibi and he can be a Charles Cooke. Id like another shooter.

Re: SHOOTERS

I think Chatman is more the Charles Cooke in this scenario. He scores in multiple ways, but the shooting percentage can in theory get a bump. Like Cooke, who played at similar level program, Chatman had to manufacture a lot of offense, forced to take some tough shots prior to Dayton. And Dayton needs a guy who can do it when needed, but with more offensive weapons and a great distributor (Scoochie to Cooke, Crutcher to Chatman) the shooting percentage can climb. Cooke came in as about a 30% perimeter shooter at James Madison, but he shot near 40% from three in his seasons at Dayton. Chatman comes in shooting about 34% so if he gets a little bump like Cooke did, then he is absolutely a sniper.

Ibi strikes me more as a Sibert who hopefully is going to hit big threes. So that's a shooter. And you're getting Matos back who didn't take a lot of threes on the season, but I do remember watching him knock down 3 of 4 treys in the exhibition game, so maybe a little streaky, tough to say with a small sample size, but I think he's going to be able to stroke it. So that's another shooter.

So by my math, we're adding 3 shooters (including the re-add of Matos) to go with Crutcher and Mikesell plus Jordan Davis who hopefully finds his shot. Thus, I'm not feeling like it was a mistake at all to not use last available scholly (for now) on a shooter. If you can get a stud in the mold of Obi Toppin, you do it and don't think twice about it, and that's kind of what I think we got here with Chase potentially (more on that next).

Originally Posted by TheDuke2003

Love it, even losing Josh (which will hurt regardless), we'll have plenty of size up front.

Jordy: 6'11" 265 lbs
Obi: 6'9" 220 lbs
Chase: 6'9" 219 lbs (Either his weight is inflated or Obi is more than 220)
Moulaye: 6'9" 230 lbs (I've seen him listed everywhere between 6'7" and 6'10" and as low as 205 and as high as 230, not sure what to believe)

Josh will be missed for sure... he's the heart and soul of this team... but these guys they are bringing in on paper, look really, really good. And 100% complementary in my opinion.

JORDY
Jordy is the traditional center. The beef down low. A mountain of a man. The intimidator. He comes in developed, ready to play.

MOULAYE
Moulaye fills in behind Jordy and will be groomed to take over Jordy's role in two years.

OBI
Obi is a scorer who plays everywhere. Rim runner in transition and a human highlight reel. And in half court sets, he can't be guarded. If the opposition puts a big on him, you bring him out to the perimeter, and let him blow by him.

JORDY-OBI
But Jordy is really key here... if Jordy plays like he's capable, opposition has to put their biggest, strongest guy on him. So Obi gets matched up with a lot of smaller guys. He can shoot over them, but you want to get him going toward the basket... just has to get behind the smaller guy, and lob over the top, and it's a guaranteed two points.

CHASE
When he's eligible, health permitting, I also see him as a complimentary piece, most similar to Obi. Big but versatile enough to play multiple positions so you can definitely play Jordy, Obi and Chase at the same time in my opinion. And if you couldn't guard a lineup with Jordy and Obi (see above) you definitely can't guard a lineup with two Obis (Chase).

So that's my $.02 re: lineup construction with Chase in the fold as the final piece for 2019 (for now).

This may be a stupid question, but since we're talking about rosters. There's no way obi leaves at the end of this year correct? I wouldn't have even considered it but after kostas actually got drafted while doing 1/10th of the stuff OBI does..... yeah I realize it was his name but still.

This may be a stupid question, but since we're talking about rosters. There's no way obi leaves at the end of this year correct? I wouldn't have even considered it but after kostas actually got drafted while doing 1/10th of the stuff OBI does..... yeah I realize it was his name but still.

I don’t think there’s any chance Obi leaves this year and maybe not for the next two years after. He’s got so much more to learn, particularly on defense. But it’s not as if the NBA or fan sites, anyway, aren’t beginning to pay attention.

This may be a stupid question, but since we're talking about rosters. There's no way obi leaves at the end of this year correct? I wouldn't have even considered it but after kostas actually got drafted while doing 1/10th of the stuff OBI does..... yeah I realize it was his name but still.

No way unless he shows anything more than a dunk or even a drop-step against anybody NOT an A10 team......He's athletic but he's got to show more of a low-post game and a jump shot..There's a boatload of athletic guys his size not playing in the league...

I'm not saying it would be the right choice or that it would work out for him. But I also know that I've seen many college kids make the wrong choice and enter the draft early. Last year 40 early entry players did not get drafted.

Plus, and correct me if I am wrong, didn't the NCAA make a new rule that if you go undrafted you can return to school? Maybe that is something that will entice him. Not saying it is going to happen but its probably something that has crossed his mind.

I hope he stays as long as possible but you can't just say it's not a possibility. Plus I've seen on here numerous times where people say NBA teams draft on potential. I'd have to think regardless of his current shortcomings many NBA scouts have taken notice and see some serious potential.

This may be a stupid question, but since we're talking about rosters. There's no way obi leaves at the end of this year correct? I wouldn't have even considered it but after kostas actually got drafted while doing 1/10th of the stuff OBI does..... yeah I realize it was his name but still.

I don't think Obi goes this year but he turns 21 this season. I wouldn't be shocked if he left early at some point.

Our best lineup yesterday was when Mikesell and Landers were together at the 2-3 spots while Obi and Josh were both on the floor as well. I could see this being the norm next year (obviously one of our other bigs, not Josh)

Our best lineup yesterday was when Mikesell and Landers were together at the 2-3 spots while Obi and Josh were both on the floor as well. I could see this being the norm next year (obviously one of our other bigs, not Josh)

Mikesell and Trey are perfect as complimentary players, when JC and Obi are the highlight players they look good. When they're out of position as players who need to make key plays we look bad.

Remains to be seen if we're getting Sibert/Cooke level, or Hisle/Derenbecker level.

That we were actively recruiting a shooter and big guy at the same time tells me we may be looking at more than one guy to bring in. To just take "best available" and not address shooting -- hmm. Chatman is not a bad shooter, but not a sniper. Who knows on Ibi and he can be a Charles Cooke. Id like another shooter.

Agree. We need shooters.....and guys that can creat their own shot. Would like to think the floor of these recruits is higher as well as the ceiling.

Our best lineup yesterday was when Mikesell and Landers were together at the 2-3 spots while Obi and Josh were both on the floor as well. I could see this being the norm next year (obviously one of our other bigs, not Josh)

I tend to agree with you, CFF. The one vulnerability of this lineup would be a very quick team that pushed the ball up and down the court. But from an offensive perspective, this is a strong combination. I had a discussion with a very well-known and highly distinguished former Flyer today and we lamented the difficult sophomore year that Jordan Davis has experienced. He had another tumultuous offensive game yesterday. The point is this - you cannot have a 2-guard that cannot score from the three or at least contribute consistently on the offensive end.

Is he earning a paycheck in the NBA? Would another season of college boosted his draft stock or made him anymore NBA ready?Posted via Mobile Device

A: We'll never know.

The question isn't about Bates-Diop's draft status...it's about Obi's draft status. And my point was that if the BIG POY can't get a sniff of NBA playing time, how on My green earth is UD's 6th man going to get a spot on anyone's roster?

The NBA is made up of the best basketball players in the world. Too many UD fans don't seem to understand this. Obi is exciting, but he's not NBA material. Maybe in a year or two he'll move up...maybe not. In the mean time, I just love watching him play.

AG addressed this last night on his show. As of right now, he must sit two semesters, making him eligible to play in games beginning at the conclusion of fall semester 2019. AG added the caveat that steps are being taken to try to accelerate his availability (i.e., appeal since he was a) out with injury, and b) played in just a couple of games this season.

The question isn't about Bates-Diop's draft status...it's about Obi's draft status. And my point was that if the BIG POY can't get a sniff of NBA playing time, how on My green earth is UD's 6th man going to get a spot on anyone's roster?

The NBA is made up of the best basketball players in the world. Too many UD fans don't seem to understand this. Obi is exciting, but he's not NBA material. Maybe in a year or two he'll move up...maybe not. In the mean time, I just love watching him play.

With some players it is not about playing in the NBA. It is not wanting to go to school and wanting to make some money. I'm not saying this is at all the case with Obi but even if you are not playing in the NBA, someone with his talent can make money playing basketball. I think CT Flyer said it - the window of opportunity is limited.

With some players it is not about playing in the NBA. It is not wanting to go to school and wanting to make some money. I'm not saying this is at all the case with Obi but even if you are not playing in the NBA, someone with his talent can make money playing basketball. I think CT Flyer said it - the window of opportunity is limited.

One thing that could be a draw to Obi though is that he'll be 2 full years through UD at the end of this school year. He stays at least 2 more years (through his redshirt Junior season) and he has a college degree completed and gets 2 more years of development where he'll be "The Man" as opposed to the 12th player on an NBA roster or just another guy on a G-League team, or playing overseas. I don't know how important that degree is to him or what his major is, but it could be a factor. Basketball isn't forever, and there will be a lot of years to live once basketball is done.

is wrestling headgear allowed by a basketball player? that is the one thing that concerns me..
I dont know the protocol, probably unique to each sport I imagine... has he been through the protcol and been cleared, or is he still in it?
can't find anything, may be asiking the wrong questions on my searches...

but if there is a problem or an issue, they could always medical redshirt if they have to, yes?

Based on what was said in the coaches show, I believe he has been cleared. Grant said he would be in classes next week and would immediately start impacting the team this year with the added depth in practice.
Grant complimented the scout team,red shirts and walk ons, for the work they did to prepare the team for Richmond. Said what the team faced in practice was often more difficult than what they faced in the game.

Richmond

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
Founded in 1830, the private liberal arts university in the Commonwealth boasts 2,800 students in 57 majors within its picturesque 350-acre campus. The Robins School of Business is one of the Top-20 business schools in the country. Nickname is the Spiders and are fellow A10 Conference members.

Based on what was said in the coaches show, I believe he has been cleared. Grant said he would be in classes next week and would immediately start impacting the team this year with the added depth in practice.
Grant complimented the scout team,red shirts and walk ons, for the work they did to prepare the team for Richmond. Said what the team faced in practice was often more difficult than what they faced in the game.

So maybe if we meet Richmond again in the A10 tourney, we can let the scout team play them and save the first team for the next game.

Richmond

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
Founded in 1830, the private liberal arts university in the Commonwealth boasts 2,800 students in 57 majors within its picturesque 350-acre campus. The Robins School of Business is one of the Top-20 business schools in the country. Nickname is the Spiders and are fellow A10 Conference members.

Grant complimented the scout team,red shirts and walk ons, for the work they did to prepare the team for Richmond. Said what the team faced in practice was often more difficult than what they faced in the game.

Yeah our practice team is awesome. I’m going to pull Cohill into this only for entertainment value and match ups, not to “demote” him. Seriously, where do you think our practice team would finish in the A10? Practice has to be brutal and just got more difficult.

I agree with those who lament the lack of a reliable outside shooter. Maybe the Sinclair shooter could be talked into enrolling for a year wo a scholarship and then inherit one the ff year?
Although I like the credentials of all the guys we have as of now, a reliable shooter can offset off-games by the inside guys. Villanova has fared quite well with reliable outside shooters, as did Butler when they made their runs a few years ago. In NCAA play, UD-level teams will inevitably come up against opponents with 5-star inside players who will overmatch our guys. Outside shooters are critical in those situations.

I agree with those who lament the lack of a reliable outside shooter. Maybe the Sinclair shooter could be talked into enrolling for a year wo a scholarship and then inherit one the ff year?
Although I like the credentials of all the guys we have as of now, a reliable shooter can offset off-games by the inside guys. Villanova has fared quite well with reliable outside shooters, as did Butler when they made their runs a few years ago. In NCAA play, UD-level teams will inevitably come up against opponents with 5-star inside players who will overmatch our guys. Outside shooters are critical in those situations.

It would be completely unrealistic to think he would come to UD without a scholarship. It would also be unrealistic to think nobody currently here will transfer out. I'm not trying to start speculation... just being pragmatic.

It would be completely unrealistic to think he would come to UD without a scholarship. It would also be unrealistic to think nobody currently here will transfer out. I'm not trying to start speculation... just being pragmatic.

I totally agree and we shall see at the end year and we don't need to speculate I trust in AG.

I totally agree and we shall see at the end year and we don't need to speculate I trust in AG.

Keep in mind McNeil is only a freshman at Sinclair. JC players may transfer to a 4 year institution at the end of any semester. However, to avoid sitting out a year, they must carry at least a 2.5 GPA. Even if they graduate from a junior college, they must carry a 2.5 GPA in specific core courses to avoid sitting out a year. McNeil's first grades at Sinclair would only have come out a couple of weeks ago, so the GPA requirement may still need to be determined.

With all scholarships currently filled for next year, could AG be planning on McNeil as a 2020 recruit? If a scholarship should open up, he could be accelerated into the 2019 class - depending on his GPA. Of course, someone else might swoop in and take him in the mean time.

Keep in mind McNeil is only a freshman at Sinclair. JC players may transfer to a 4 year institution at the end of any semester. However, to avoid sitting out a year, they must carry at least a 2.5 GPA. Even if they graduate from a junior college, they must carry a 2.5 GPA in specific core courses to avoid sitting out a year. McNeil's first grades at Sinclair would only have come out a couple of weeks ago, so the GPA requirement may still need to be determined.

With all scholarships currently filled for next year, could AG be planning on McNeil as a 2020 recruit? If a scholarship should open up, he could be accelerated into the 2019 class - depending on his GPA. Of course, someone else might swoop in and take him in the mean time.

If he can not carry at least a 2.5 GPA at Sinclair - he has ZERO chance of making the grades at UD.

Umm . . . I don't think that's at all true. First and second year core classes at UD and Sinclair are basically the same.

_____________________
Whether your glass is half full or half empty, you still have more to drink

Umm1: My wife works at Sinclair and today she helped a lost UD student find her Chemistry class...when asked why she's taking Chem at Sinclair, she said that it's easier at Sinclair because they only cover 12 chapters, not 18 like UD. She also said a lot of UD students are finding out that transferrable classes at Sinclair are easier than at UD...just sayin'

Ummm2: I've taught at both and expectations/results aren't even close.

I went to Sinclair my first year of college. Only 1/2 the credits transferred and even the ones that did I was significantly behind in the "2nd" class in a sequence. I basically spent a year trying to catch up.

I went to Sinclair my first year of college. Only 1/2 the credits transferred and even the ones that did I was significantly behind in the "2nd" class in a sequence. I basically spent a year trying to catch up.

My son went to Sinclair for his associates degree, then Ohio State for his BA.
All his credits transferred with no problem - UD just wanted your money.

_____________________
Whether your glass is half full or half empty, you still have more to drink

Times have changed since the Quarter-to-Semester conversion. Now all courses are audited/approved by the State so any approved course from one State school has to be accepted by another. I've met face-to-face and one-on-one with Ohio State reps regarding transfer requirements and was assured that they accept anyone with >30 credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA. It's a great selling point for aspiring students, especially when financing college is an issue.

Glen, your son did the right thing. I don't know why more Montgomery County HS educated and current Ohio State students don't start at Sinclair. My tOSU freshman son has a couple friends at Sinclair hoping to meet up with him in a year or two. I hope it happens! Good kids all...and much more money conscious than mine...

Times have changed since the Quarter-to-Semester conversion. Now all courses are audited/approved by the State so any approved course from one State school has to be accepted by another. I've met face-to-face and one-on-one with Ohio State reps regarding transfer requirements and was assured that they accept anyone with >30 credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA. It's a great selling point for aspiring students, especially when financing college is an issue.

Glen, your son did the right thing. I don't know why more Montgomery County HS educated and current Ohio State students don't start at Sinclair. My tOSU freshman son has a couple friends at Sinclair hoping to meet up with him in a year or two. I hope it happens! Good kids all...and much more money conscious than mine...

Correct for the most part. We were told OSU will accept the credit hours toward your total required for graduation. But for my freshman daughters Biology (or was it Chemistry, or both??) they will require you to take the class again at OSU before you can advance to the next class to prevent you from being significantly behind in the next class in the sequence.

Since OSU 'accepted' the bio/chem credits I'm 'correct for the every part'! As always!

Right?!

but you still have to retake the class at OSU before taking the next one in the sequence, to make sure your up to OSU standards.......

At least that is what we were told just 48 hours ago, as she inquired because she plans to take a few classes at Sinclair over the summer to get ahead. Bottom line, do not assume everything your taking will transfer 100%, some of the tougher class and majors some schools want to make sure your properly prepared for. Communicate first.

I agree with those who lament the lack of a reliable outside shooter. Maybe the Sinclair shooter could be talked into enrolling for a year wo a scholarship and then inherit one the ff year?
Although I like the credentials of all the guys we have as of now, a reliable shooter can offset off-games by the inside guys. Villanova has fared quite well with reliable outside shooters, as did Butler when they made their runs a few years ago. In NCAA play, UD-level teams will inevitably come up against opponents with 5-star inside players who will overmatch our guys. Outside shooters are critical in those situations.

OK, just one game. But today the inside got shut down and a 3 point sniper led our Flyers to victory. Gret job Jordan Davis. Now hopefully you can find some positive consistency get these people off your back!!

Keep in mind McNeil is only a freshman at Sinclair. JC players may transfer to a 4 year institution at the end of any semester. However, to avoid sitting out a year, they must carry at least a 2.5 GPA. Even if they graduate from a junior college, they must carry a 2.5 GPA in specific core courses to avoid sitting out a year. McNeil's first grades at Sinclair would only have come out a couple of weeks ago, so the GPA requirement may still need to be determined. <br />
<br />
With all scholarships currently filled for next year, could AG be planning on McNeil as a 2020 recruit? If a scholarship should open up, he could be accelerated into the 2019 class - depending on his GPA. Of course, someone else might swoop in and take him in the mean time.

The question isn't about Bates-Diop's draft status...it's about Obi's draft status. And my point was that if the BIG POY can't get a sniff of NBA playing time, how on My green earth is UD's 6th man going to get a spot on anyone's roster?

The NBA is made up of the best basketball players in the world. Too many UD fans don't seem to understand this. Obi is exciting, but he's not NBA material. Maybe in a year or two he'll move up...maybe not. In the mean time, I just love watching him play.

Jarren Jackson was 3rd team all big Big 10 and the 4th pick in the draft last year.

Obi is older than Trey Landers. My point is that I’d love it stayed 4 years but he’s got limited time to earn money playing basketball. Sticking around for a 5th or 6th year past high school isn’t going to put him in better position to make a living playing basketball

I don’t think he’d going to declare this year but I’d be shocked if sticks around to be a 24 year old senior.Posted via Mobile Device

It seems everytime a UD player scores twenty points or gets more than ten rebounds in a game he is considered a candidate for going pro early on this board.

Making the reasonable assumption that Dayton's recruiting is similar to other teams in the conference particularly given the Flyer's record over the past 10, 15 or 20 year periods relative to other teams in the conference. Aside from Kostas, who because of his brother is a special case, How many players from the Atlantic 10 have gone pro early in the past 10 years? Or 15 years? or 20 years?